Ai Weiwei
1957-present · Chinese (Beijing/Berlin) · Contemporary Art / Activism
Known for: Dissident artist-activist whose work confronts Chinese authoritarianism and global human rights abuses
Ai Weiwei is the son of purged poet Ai Qing. He lived in New York for 12 years absorbing Duchamp and Warhol, then returned to China and became increasingly political. He investigated the Sichuan earthquake cover-up, was beaten by police (requiring brain surgery), detained for 81 days, and had his studio demolished.
He uses social media, film, and massive installations to address human rights globally.
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